Texas voters have flipped the governor’s race and U.S. Senate seats to Democrats — a political shift not seen in the state in more than 30 years. Now, many Texans are asking: What comes next?
Political analyst Charles Kuffner said Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa can move quickly after taking office Jan. 1, with public education likely among her first priorities.
Kuffner said Hinojosa could replace the state’s education commissioner as soon as she is sworn into office.
On immigration, Kuffner said local law enforcement — including Houston Police — could scale back cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He also said Hinojosa could change Gov. Greg Abbott’s border emergency declaration, which Abbott has renewed since 2021.
“It’s going to be cued up when Governor-elect Hinojosa puts out a list of priority legislation, which are the things legislation can take up quickly,” Kuffner said. “Now it’s a Democratic House and Republican Senate, so it’s not going to be as easy to pass things as it was when Governor Abbott was in charge and both chambers were held by Republicans.”
When it comes to the cost of living, Kuffner told KPRC 2 News Sandy Torres relief for Texas families may depend less on Austin and more on Washington. He said lower costs could come down to changes in imposed tariffs and easing tensions overseas — factors that will depend on who holds the majority in the U.S. House and Senate.
